Buddhism and meditation for children

Sundays on the following dates 2024: 21st Jan, 18th Feb, 24th March, 14th April, 26th May, 16th June. 

1.00pm-1.30pm at Sakya Buddhist Centre

These are short introductory meditation classes designed for children age 5-11. They will be led by Aurielle Goddard, mum of two. As a mother raising children in Buddhism, I am often amazed by how intelligent my daughter’s questions and reflections are. I have learnt that children have a natural curiosity about life’s deeper questions. Even if my children do not choose to be Buddhists when they are older, I hope a Buddhist grounding will mean their actions are kind and they have inner peace and resilience to life’s difficulties.

These classes will begin with a short meditation, called ‘settling meditation’ where we focus on counting the breath as a way to calm the mind. After this, we will read a ‘Jataka tale’: a story of the previous lives of the buddha. These are often stories about animals or kings and queens of a long time ago. They teach children values such as kindness and generosity and are often told to children in Buddhist countries. We will then do a craft activity connected with the theme of the story. After some juice and biscuits or cake, parents are children are invited to head across the road for a play in St Andrews Park.

These sessions will require a parent or carer to stay with their child at all time. Adults may find there is something for them to enjoy too.

Classes are free but donations are welcome.

Feel free to email us on bristol@dechen.org if you have any questions.